The event, held in partnership with MSU’s Eli Broad College of Business, will kick off with a panel discussion at 4:30 p.m., followed by hors d'oeuvres, networking and the main program at 5:30 p.m.

The panel will feature Tomas Hult, a professor and director of the International Business Center at MSU, and Jim Teets, president and CEO of Grand Rapids-based ADAC Automotive, as well as other community leaders.

Business Person of the Year

Later in the program, Norman Byrne, founder of Rockford-based Byrne Electrical Specialists, a maker of power and data products, will be honored as the 2016 West Michigan Spartans Business Person of the Year. He will receive the award in recognition of his contributions to West Michigan Spartans.

West Michigan Spartans board member Blake Rosekrans said the award is based on volunteerism and financial contributions.

“He’s done that through his time hosting events and certainly through donating to Michigan State University,” Rosekrans said.

West Michigan Spartans President Elizabeth Burnson said the nonprofit is “excited” about the event.

“It will be a special year honoring Norm, because of his contributions to the West Michigan Spartans and to the Grand Rapids business community,” she said.

Rachel Watson is a Grand Rapids Business Journal staff reporter who covers food, manufacturing, small business, banking and finance, HR and diversity and sustainability. Email Rachel at rachelw at grbj dot com. Follow her on Twitter @RachelWatson86

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